The 21st annual Building Bridges Conference will take place this Saturday, March 5 at 9:00 a.m.

Students have been working tirelessly to prepare for this event.

“Everyone involved in the conference has given their all for the last year. It’s hard to believe the day is finally here,” Sophomore Melissa Saholt said.

Each year, the Building Bridges Conference  discusses a relevant social issue through  a day of keynote speakers, workshops, performances, and interactive pieces.

“‘Everyone involved in the conference has given their all for the last year. It’s hard to believe the day is finally here.”  – Melissa Saholt

This year’s conference will focus on the War on Drugs, diving deeper into the effects of the United States Drug Policy on domestic and international violence. Additionally, the conference will address the exorbitant government funds allocated each year to the fight against the War on Drugs.

Conference goers will also have the opportunity to hear from several prominent speakers including Ethan Nadelmann, Anabel Hernández, Doris Marie Provine and Special Agent Matthew Fogg.

Ethan Nadelmann is the founder and executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. This organization works to promote alternatives to the War on Drugs. As a key player in many major drug policy reforms in the US, Nadelmann has had extensive up-close experience with the  fight against the War on Drugs.

The audience will also hear from Anabel Hernández, a Mexican journalist and author of many pieces on political corruption, drug cartels, and sexual exploitation.

Doris Marie Provine will lead several workshops. Provine will discuss the impact of the United States Drug Policy on underpriviledged minority communities.

Workshops will also be led by ex-DEA Special Agent Matthew Fogg.  Fogg also holds the positions of EEO Director for Federally Employed Women’s Legal & Education Fund,  Inc.; the Executive Director of the Redstone Area Minority Employees Association; and a Board member for Amnesty International USA. He is also a Deputy United States Marshal and a highly decorated federal law officer.

“The conference is sure to be excellent, especially with the high caliber of keynote and workshop speakers who will bring fresh insight and personal experience,” Junior Alex Nelson said.

Students will also see a performance by “I Am, We Are,” a  student-led theatricial performance organization dedicated to creating a more socially aware community.

“The conference is sure to be excellent, especially with the high caliber of keynote and workshop speakers who will bring fresh insight and personal experience.”  – Alex Nelson

“‘I Am, We Are’ never fails to deliver an incredibly powerful and moving performance,” Sophomore Walker Pearson said.

With an excellent assortment of speakers, performances and panelists, the Building Bridges Conference is sure to be an auspicious day.

“I’m hoping that this topic introduces a new dimension to a widely discussed and socially relevant issue.”  – Senior Awushie Fayose, Building Bridges Co-Chair

 

Building Bridges Conference Schedule:
Christ Chapel
8:30 a.m.                 Registration
9:00 a.m.                 Opening remarks by Co-Chairs
9:15 a.m.                  Keynote Address: Ethan Nadelmann
10:15 a.m.                “I Am, We Are” Performance
10:40 a.m.                Keynote Address: Anabel Hernández
11:30 a.m.                 Lunch Break
Alumni Hall
1:00 p.m.                  Speaker Panel
Beck Hall
2:00 p.m.                  Workshop Session and Interpretive Walkthrough
3:00 p.m.                  Workshop Session and Interpretive Walkthrough
4:00 p.m.                  Workshop Session and Interpretive Walkthrough
5:00 p.m.                  Workshop Session and Interpretive Walkthrough